Starting with Chris Eubank Jr.’s fights. from Conor Benn and the carnage that accompanied both events, to an all-women show at the Royal Albert Hall and Fabio Wardley winning the heavyweight title – there have been some incredible moments in British boxing this year.
Moses Itauma continued to rise through the ranks, making things easier for both of his opponents, and he was named this year’s top youthful player by ESPN.
Who else has won in the last 12 months.
Here are the ESPN British Boxing Awards for 2025.
Men’s Player of the Year – Fabio Wardley
Boxing has never seen a story like Fabio Wardley’s.
After just a few mental battles, Wardley turned professional in 2017. Since then, he has climbed the ladder with knockout after knockout and in 2025 was officially crowned heavyweight champion of the world.
Although he didn’t get his massive “and up-to-date!” moment in the ring, Wardley’s round 11 victory over Joseph Parker was fully deserving of a title shot. The victory over Parker gave him the interim WBO title, and when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt, Wardley became champion.
Parker’s fight followed a decisive knockout of Justis Huni in June. Everything indicates that Wardley scored a sensational KO in the 10th round, defeating the Australian with a right hand from which he never recovered.
There will be massive fights in 2026, but Wardley enjoyed Christmas, winning the world title under the Christmas tree before defending his belt next year.
– No delays, no warm-ups; it’s time for Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury
Women’s Player of the Year – Ellie Scotney
Ellie Scotney remains one of British boxing’s most underrated and underappreciated fighters.
The undefeated 27-year-old defended her IBF, WBO and ring titles in January by defeating Mea Motu, then added the WBC junior featherweight title to her collection with a victory over Yamileth Mercado in July.
An injury forced her to withdraw from her undisputed fight against Mayelli Flores, but Scotney will return in 2026 to try to capture all the belts. Fighting under Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, Scotney could get massive fights on both sides of the Atlantic.
Fight of the Year – Callum Smith def. Joshua Buatsi (UD)
The fight of Chris Eubank Jr. deserves special mention. with Conor Benn I, but Callum Smith’s victory over Joshua Buatsi stood out for both action and technical skill. Buatsi was the favorite before the fight, but Smith turned back the clock, impressing with a display of skill and determination against an equally good opponent.
From the opening bell, the two went head-to-head and didn’t let up for 12 pulsating rounds. Sometimes it looked like they were holding on to each other to make sure they didn’t run away.
Buatsi was injured in Round 6 and Smith was pushing to take him down, but Buatsi rallied and fired a huge left hook that rocked Smith at the end of a remarkable round that had the Riyad crowd floored.
Smith mercilessly peppered Buatsi with body shots, but Buatsi always tried to return fire and wound his opponent more than once. After a pulsating start, both fighters looked tired from the start of the fight, but they never gave up on the fight in the pocket and gave fans a thrilling fight.
– 25 best fighters under 25 in boxing: Itauma, Norman, Mason, Fundora and others
Knockout of the Year – Fabio Wardley vs. Justis Huni
Both the circumstances and the execution ensured a remarkable ending when Wardley knocked down Huni in June. Huni, who took the fight on compact notice, was in full control and boxed out to a huge defeat against his more experienced opponent on his home turf in Ipswich.
However, Wardley’s knockout power was well known and he seized the moment with 90 seconds remaining in round 10, unleashing a huge right hand that caught Huni square in the nose and sent him to the canvas. The referee waved his hand and Wardley sent the Portman Road stadium into meltdown.
Of course, we now know that this punch set him on the path to fighting, defeating Joseph Parker and winning the world title, which will no doubt make the KO even sweeter for Wardley.
Moment of the year – Chris Eubank Sr.’s arrival at Eubank Jr. vs. Benn
2025 will be known as the year we finally saw Chris Eubank Jr fight. with Conor Benn. Even though there are 24 rounds, and the first fight in particular will be remembered as a classic battle, the threads and narratives around the fight are just as crucial.
There was nothing more memorable than the sight of Chris Eubank senior opening the door of his SUV as he arrived – completely unexpectedly – at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April.
The senior moved away from his son and made it clear that he didn’t want to get involved in the fight until he did, of course.
The noise the crowd made when they saw the father and son arrive at the stadium was incredible; truly a classic moment.
Similarly, the image of Conor and Nigel Benn – Senior’s long-time rival – watching Eubank enter the field was another iconic image in the spectacle that was the Eubank Jr match. vs. Benn.
MMA2 days ago
MMA2 days ago
MMA2 days ago
MMA2 days ago
MMA2 days ago
Boxing1 day ago
Boxing1 day ago
Boxing24 hours ago